Steam marcel iron



March 31, 1931. H. ROTHMAN (STEAM MARCEL IRON Filed Sefit. 28. 1928 Patented Mar. 31, 1931 1,798,760

UNITED STATES PATENT oFFIc HARRY ROTHMAN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y

STEAM MARCEL IRON Application filed September 28, 1928. Serial No. 308,975.

This invention relates to a steam marcel temperature so that the possibility of steam iron and similar devices employing steam striking cool portions thereof and condensing and which may be used in the art of hair Will e avoided, the arrangement according treatment. to my invention insuring also that a compara- One object of the invention is to provide tively lOW temperature superheated condi- 65 an improved device of the character described tion of the steam may be used and the poswherein the hair isheated in order to prosibility of the production of a considerable duce a curl or wave therein and steam ap condensate nevertheless eliminated, the steam plied at a stage in the heating action to so becoming but slightly moist in the hair, the

affect the texture of the hair as to increase discharge of steam from the co-operating the permanency of a wave produced. parts of the iron being free and so directed Another object of the invention is the proas to cause the steam to flow away from the vision of an improved device of the nature head of the person being treated, and the set forth which is so constructed that the supply of steam being automatically cut off air remains totally dry, the production of when the iron is opened. condensate from the steam at the hair being Still further objects of the invention are to entirely eliminated. 7 provide an improved device of the species Another object of this invention is to promentioned which is adapted to employ steam duce an ironwhich is adapted to form what at a comparatively even and uniform tem- 0 is in the nature of a permanent marcel wave, perature throughout the'iron to so affect the this being formed with comparative rapidity hair as to permit the formation therein of a and with no inconvenience, it being undercomparatively permanent marcel, or the like, stood that waves as heretofore produced by the device permitting the steam to be cut off marcelling have been of rather short lived while the iron remains in engagement with duration. the hair so as to provide a finishing touch to A further Objec f h i nt o is t0 the wave while assuring complete escape of furnish a device of the type mentioned where the steam from the hair before the iron is reimproved means provides for superheating moved th f of the steam t ny desired, temperature Other objects and advantages of the in- 0 and with a suhicient number 0 degrees of vention will become apparent as the specificasuperheat so that the steam after being disti proceeds, Charged 'Q Will lh l With the aforesaid objects in view, the in shghtly molst 1n the hall, y consldemble vention consists in the novel combinations cohdehsatioh of the steam heihg awhdedand arrangements of parts hereinafter deif Q Q Oblects f h lhvehtlon are Seen to scribed in their preferred embodiments, l' 1n the Provlslon of means l pointed out in the subjoined claims, and illuslng superheated Steam 50.15118 Hon Winch trated on the annexed drawing, wherein like 33 3 313; 353: gg g g gggg Q 3 g g-5 parts are designated by the same reference 40 being discharged intothe iron with the simuli gg s thlpnfiiout the several Vlews' taneous occurrence of a reduction in pressure 6 i q t t and increase in volume to produce the superlgure 1S lagmmma.lc w 1 us m heated condition of the steam, heating means mg F embodlmelkt offlle i being applied to further increaseand accentu- 2 1s a lohgltudmal Sectlonal new of ate the temperature of the steam to any rethe V quired degree and with the several parts of g- 3 Is an enlarged transverse Section the iron so heated through the combined acthereof taken on the line 3 3 of F1g. 2.

tion of both the steam and the additional The advantages of the invention as here heating means referred to that all parts of outlined are best realized when all of ts feathe hon will be kept! p ive y h gh tures instrumentelities are OIIlbl Gd 1n site reduction of might be somewhat if necessary, the steam may i the discharge ports at a plurality one and the same structure, but, useful devices may be produced embodying less than the whole.

Generally described, the invention provides an improved device for the formation of curls or waves in the hair, said device being for purposes of illustration shown as a marc-el iron. This includes a pair of relatively movable members, one of which is of substantially cylindrical form, while the other is arcuate in cross section. The cylindrical member referred to has a steam chamber with a series of openings therein thru which steam is discharged from the chamber into the space between the members so as to thoroughly treat the hair that is clinched therebe-tween. Communicating I with the steam chamberis a nozzle into which steam flows from an open supply line that is connected with any suitable steam generator. The open supply line providesa continuous flow of steam so thatthe supply line itself is kept at a requisite temperature to avoid condensation which would occur if, for eX- ample, the flow of steam in the said line were cut off at a time when no longer desired in the iron. By this invention, the stean1.flowing through the nozzle is tapped from the supplyline referred to whenever required and is always in a substantially dry condition. The cross sectional area of the nozzle opening and the volume thereof is such that the steam passing therethrough and into the chamberoflarger volumes expands and becomes superheated, this latter elfectbeing obtained by forming the outlet ports of the chamber of suflicient size to secure a requi- V pressure in the chamber. Preferably, the arrangement of the nozzle with respect to the-chamber is such as to provide an even feed of the steam to the entire length of the ports referred to and without heating adjacent parts of the iron to a higher temperature than the parts which more remote. Forthis is located at a point of free from the discharge the steam chamber and a battle purpose the nozzle the iron which is openings in plate positioned in association with the nozzle so asto deflect thesteam uniformly into the steam'chamber. The baffle member referred to'is intended to be so arranged as not to obstruct'the nozzle, and at the'sam'e time 'it'provides a desirable eddying action of the steam which thoroughly cleanses thesteam chamber and removes any particles of mois ture orothe'r undesired substance that might tend to collect therein. It will be appreciated that the nozzle may also be arranged in axial alinement with the steam chamber and be supplied to of points in the. steam chamber fora maximum even- M ness of both temperature and-flow velocity. To cause a continuous flow of steam in the is the fact that a heated supply line as above stated it is suflicient merely to tap a very small quantity therefrom, and this may be let out into the atmosphere as, for instance, at a window. Coacting in the steam chamber are one or mor electrical resistance or heating coils which serve to superheat the steam to any desired temperature. Furthermore, the member of a marcel iron is also provided with a heating element, the electric current to the resistance being controlled separately or together by one or more rheostats that may be provided for the purpose. Thus the companion member of the steam chamber is also maintained indep' ndently at a suitably high temperature which temperature may bear any specific relation to the temperature of the steam chamber and may be either equal thereto or different therefrom according to the results desired and the nature of thehairtreated. Should it be desired to discharge the steam at a comparatively low temperature of superheat, the provision of an independent heating means in the arcuate member becomes particularly useful as the number of degrees of superheat of the steam might not then be sufficient itself to avoid condensation of steam on striking the said arcuate member. may of course be temperature approximating that of thesteam so that the steam on leaving the space between the companion members of the appliance flows out at a sufficient temperature to permit it to become only slightly moist in a the hair, avoiding any possibility of con siderable condensation. By this invention the flow of steam to the iron is automatically cutoff, whenthe iron is opened, for the purpose of conserving the steam. Furthermore,

the supply of steam to the iron may be manipulated at will by the operator, and in normal use of the iron after the steam has been put in place to produce a wave in the hair and the steam used for the requisite time, the flow of steam is cut off and the iron retained in position to give a finishing touch or setting to the wave and at the same time to assure that all steam has left the hair before the iron is removed. used withthe steam cut off electrical energy is of course supplied to the iron to keep it at a proper temperature. v

One advantage resulting fromthe invention hair and rapidly and thoroughly brings all the individual strands thereof to a desired temperature to beproperly set-or curled by the appliance. I In other words,-the heat does not have to pass merely by conduction from :the iron and through tion, it willbe appreciated that the fluid that arcuate- \Vhen so used, the latter likewise maintained at a fluid permeates the i might be employed could, for example, be air or any other substance of gaseous form, or in the form of a vapor providing that condensaflion thereof does not hinder the waving of the air.

The invention so far as the fluid heat treatment of the gas is concerned may be embodied in dill'e ent constructions, as, for example,

rious types of tubular hair wavers although its advantages are greatest when employed in a device of the type hereinafter described. I

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art to which the invention appertains, that the same may be incorporated in several different constructions. The accompanying drawing, therefore, is submitted merely as showing the preferred exemplification of the invention.

Referring in detail to the drawing, 10 denotes a device embodying the invention. The same includes an appliance 11 comprising a plurality of pressure bars 12 and 13 that are movable toward each other for engaging the hair therebetween. The bar 12 is of cylindrical form, while the bar 13 is of arcuate cross section. Both of the bars in the closed position of the appliance are in coaxial relation with respect to each other, the cylindrical pressure bar 12 seating in the concave side 14- of the companion bar. The cylindrical bar 12 is provided with a laterally extending flange 15 which overlies an edge 16 of the arcuate pressure bar. In the use of the appliance the bars 12 and 13 are inserted into the hair with their free ends first and the hair received and evenly distributed between the pressure bars and also between the flange 15 and the edge 16. Thereafter the appliance is turned slightly about its longitudinal axis, causing the flange 15 to bear with its free edge 17 against the hair to accentuate the wave. The arcuate bar 13 is formed with a yoke 18 between which is received the cylindrical bar 12, pins 19 being provided to pivotally connect the two. Each of the bars has a handle 20 surmounted by a sleeve of insulation 21. An expansion coil spring 22, or the like, may be used to tend to close the appliance, the force of the spring being overcome by the hand of the operator in using the same. lVhile the pressure bars 12 and 13 are preferably made of metal, it will be understood that any suitable material which has sufiicient strength and is capable of withstanding the required temperature may be used. Since the heating of the hair is accomplished to a large extent by the action of the steam or other fluid medium, it will be understood that the heat conductivity of the pressure bars becomes a less important consideration.

Formed in the pressure bar 12 is a chamber 23 which extends therealong, the rear end of the chamber being closed by any suitable plug 2& in the handle. Communicating with the chamber 23 is a casing 25 which is mounted thereon in any desirable manner and includes an outlet in the form of a nozzle 26. The latter may be disposed in various relations with respect to the chamber 23, and while shown herein as being inclined at an acute angle with the axis thereof, it may also be constructed in alincd relation with the said chamber. The casing 25 communicates with a source of steam or other hot nonliquid fluid as hereinafter described and is formed with a valve seat 27 adapted to coact with a valve 28. The latter is provided with a stem 29 and is actuated by an external spring 30 that tends to open the valve. hen the valve is open steam is free to flow from the casing 25 into the nozzle 26 and thence to discharge into the chamber 23. As a specific means of mounting the casing 25 on the pressure bar 12, the latter is formed with an integral annular flange 32 into which the lower end of the casing 25 is adapted to be snugly seated. A bafli'e 31 may be positioned in proximity to the nozzle 26 to deflect the steam in an axial direction in the'chamber 23 to cause a substantially uniform pressure in all parts of the chamber and a uniform heating of the bar 12. The baffle 31 may constitute a projection of a ring member that may be snugly mounted between the casing 25 and the annular flange 32. The chamber 12 is formed with a series of perforations or outlets 33 extending therealong and lying in the central plane of the appliance 11. The positions of the holes 33 are such that the steam is fed with substantial uniformity to the hair engaged between the pressure bars 12 and 13. As will be seen from the drawing, there are no holes 33 in proximity to the nozzle 26 so that the steam pressure may have a chance to equalize before passing outward through the said holes. According to the theory of this invention, the ratio in areas of the nozzle 26 and the openings 33 is such that there is a considerable increase in volume with a corresponding drop in pressure in the steam in passing through the nozzle whereby the steam becomes superheated.

Disposed in the chamber 23 are also one or more electrical heating elements 34 which extend throughout the said chamber and are properly insulated so as to avoid short circuiting from any cause whatever. The said heating elements serve to increase the temperature of the steam and the degrees of superheat thereof to desired extent.

The companion pressure bar 13 isformed with an arcuate chamber 35 having an elec trical heating coil 36 therein to independently supply heat thereto. The heating elements 3 1 and 36 are connected into a lead 37 and a rheostat 38 serves to control the supply of current to the said heating elements. While a single rheostat is shown, it will be evident that the electrical heating members may be separately controlled in a manner well known in the art. 7

The appliance ll tends automatically to close under actuation of spring 22, thus n vingthe 29 to close the valve 28. If, however, it be desired to shut off the supply of steam while the appliance 11 is in use with l2 and. 13 in engagement with the hair, a lever may be moved by the finger of'the operator to move the stem and close the valve aforesaid. The said lever is pivotally mounted at 40 and has an arm ll disposed bet-ween the end of the valve stem and-anadiacent portion of the pressure bar 18. Thus the latter functions through the intermediacy of the arm '41 to close the valve when the appliance is open. At the same time the lever 39 is independently operative toclose the valve.

At 42 is shown conventionally any suitable supply-ct steam under pressure, as, for instance, a boiler 43 beneath which is a burner l h A main'valve 45 controls the outflow 0t steam from the boiler. A usual. relief valve 46 may be mounted on the latter. Connected to the valve 45 is a hose 4:7. The casing'25 is formed with an integral Y portion 48 having a pair of arms 49 and 50. The hosel? connects withthe arm 50 and thus supplies steam to the casing 25. In order to keep a constant flow of steam th ongh'the hose 4%? so as to prevent condenon tl erein when the supply of steam to .tae appliance 11 is cut off, it is necessary that a-small quantity of steam be vented continuously. For this purpose a hose 51 is connected with the arm 49 and also with any suitable outlet as, for example. a pet cock 52. The latteris of relatively small capacity and is positioned a a window so that there will be no'anneyance a result of the outflow of steam theretrom. The hoses l7 and 51 mav be connected together at 53 so as to at ford maximum convenience to'the operator in usingthe appliance 11.

Sincethe steam or other non-liquid medium is at acomparatively high temperature. it is desirable that the same be removed with the greatest facilitv from the hair so as to avoid discomfort to the person who is being treated. For this purpose the flange 15 is formed with a plurality of openings 54: to relieve some of the pressure of the steam in proximity to the flange and prevent the same from being directed toward the scalp.

According to this invention. the desirability of absolutely dry steam is emphasized due to the fact that a liquid may impair the quality of the wave produced in the hair. But when the steam strikes the hair it becomes slightly moist, thus improving the quality of the wave. However, it to be understood that I do not set forth this feature as a limitation because where desirable, the steam first be'used in a saturated condition to treat the hairto form the same, into a the hair while the same is engaged by the appliance 11 and gradually to change the steam into va comparatively dry condition. The supply of saturated'steam to the appliance is of course readily available merely by manipulation of the various control devices used in connection therewith. For example, it would be merely necessary to cut ed the supply-of electrical current to the appliance so that the latter would exert aslight cooling action upon the steam.

The appliance permits ahigh degree of adjustability that adapts it to meet various conditions. Thus, for example, should the steam be desired at a high temperature this could be readily obtainedby supplying the necessary electrical energy'to the heating elements. Onthe other hand, should the steam be required at a comparatively low temperature, it would sutiice merely to reduce the temperature at the heating elements. Owing to the provision of heating elements in both of the pressure bars, there would be no condensatien of the steam so that the efiects of moisture would be absolutely avoided.

It will thus heseen that l have provided a device which fulfills theseveral objects of the invention and which is well adapted to meet the conditions of practical use.

An ammonia solution or other chemical substance may be applied to the hair before the same is-treated with the marcel iron for producing the wave.

1 claim; v

1. A device of the character described, including hair waving means which in closed position en age thehair, electrical means to heat the hair waving means, means to pass a non-liquid heating fluid through the hair waving means and'int-o the hair, valve means to cut off the-supply of said fluid while the waving means is electrically heated and engaged with the hair, and automatic means to close the valve means on opening the hair waving means.

2. A device of the character described, including a source 'ofsteam, a conduit'communicating therewith and through which the steam flows constantly to heat the conduit, a hair waving appliance connected to said conduit, said appliance being adapted to engage wave. said appliance having a chamber, an electrical ieating' element in the appliance associated with said chamber, said chamber discharging the steam into the hair engaged as aforesaic, and means venting steam fromthe conduit for the constant flow of steam therethrough.

3. A device as set forth in claim 9, wherein a nozzle of reduced area discharges the steam from the conduit into the said chamber so as to cause a drop inpressure of the steam as between the conduit and the chamber.

t. Adevice'of the character described, in-

eluding hair waving means comprising a pair oi tongs, pivot means interconnecting the same, one of the tongs consisting of perforated tube, the other tong being a shoe for pressing the hair against said tube, a nozzle for discharging a non-liquid heating medium into the tube, said nozzle being in proximity to the pivot means and extending at an angle from said tube, means within the tube and adjacent to the nozzle for deflecting the heating medium along the tube, and electrical heating means for the tube.

5. A hair waver including a plurality of pivoted pressure bars movable toward one another to engage the hair therebetween, one of said bars being of arcuate cross section to partially receive the other bar, the other bar having a single flange overlying an edge of the arcuate bar, one of said bars being adapted to discharge steam into the hair so engaged, said flange being perforated in proximity to the said edge of the arcuate bar to vent steam in the hair adjacent to said flange.

G. A hair waver adapted to be turned about its longitudinal axis in forming a wave, said hair waver comprising a pair ot pressure bars pivotally connected, one of said bars having a single groove extending therealong to receive the other bar, the latter bar having a longitudinal flange at a side thereof taking over an edge of the grooved bar, one of the bars being hollow and having a plurality of openings therein solely at the center of the groove and communicating with the space between the bars, the hollow bar being otherwise closed, and a steam compartment connected to the hollow bar to supply steam to said openings.

7. A hair waver adapted to be turned about its longitudinal axis in forming a wave, said hair waver comprising a pair of pressure bars pivotally connected, one of said bars having a single groove extending therealong to receive the other bar and to form the hair between the bars into a wave, one of the bars being hollow and having a plurality of openings communicating with the space between the bars, the bar having the openings being otherwise closed, a steam compartment communicating with the hollow bar to supply steam therethrough to said openings, the steam compartment being remote from the pressure bars, flexible means connecting the compartment with the hollow bar, a vent communicating with the flexible means at the hollow bar, and means to cut ofl the supply of steam to the hollow bar, whereby said vent permits a continuous circulation of steam through the flexible means even when the hollow bar is cut ofl" as aforesaid.

8. A hair curling iron including a pair of pivoted tongs, one of said tongs being hollow, the other tong pressing the hair against the 5 hollow tong, unitary means to supply steam to the hollow tong, said unitary means 1neluding a single casing, a valve therein for the steam, and a nozzle separate from and spaced with respect to the valve for eificiently discharging the steam into the hollow tong, and electrical heating means for the hollow tong.

9. A device of the character described, including hair waving means which in closed position engage the hair, electrical means to heat the hair waving means, means to pass a n0n-liquid heating fluid through the hair waving means and into the hair, valve means to cut oil the supply of said fluid, automatic means to close the valve means on opening the hair waving means and manual means to close the valve in the closed position of said hair waving means.

In testimony whereof I atfix my signature.

HARRY ROTHMAN. 

